Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Different Types of Begonias
- Can You Plant Summer Begonias in the Fall?
- Planting and Growing Hardy Begonias
- Saving Your Tuberous Begonias for Next Year
- Moving Begonias Indoors for the Winter
- Preparing the Garden Soil in the Fall
- Hardiness Zones and Timing
- Simple Fall Troubleshooting
- Planning for a Beautiful Spring
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Finding a way to extend the beauty of your garden as the seasons change is one of the most rewarding parts of being a gardener. Begonias are beloved for their lush foliage and constant blooms, often serving as the stars of the summer shade garden. As autumn approaches, you might find yourself wondering if you can add more of these colorful plants to your landscape or if you should wait for the warmth of spring.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you make the best choices for your yard so you can enjoy a thriving, stress-free garden. Whether you are looking to put new plants in the ground or hoping to save the ones you already have, the timing depends entirely on the type of begonias you choose and where you live.
By understanding the needs of different begonia varieties, you can ensure your garden stays vibrant and healthy through the fall and beyond. While most begonias are tropical and prefer the heat, there are specific ways to enjoy them even as the days grow shorter.
Understanding the Different Types of Begonias
To answer the question of whether you can plant begonias in the fall, we first have to look at which begonia you have in mind. Not all begonias are the same. For a broader look at the family, see our All About Begonias.
Most begonias grown in American gardens fall into three main categories: tuberous, wax (or fibrous-rooted), and hardy begonias. Each of these reacts differently to the arrival of fall weather. Knowing which one you are working with is the first step toward a successful planting or overwintering strategy.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are famous for their large, rose-like flowers and dramatic colors, especially in our Upright Double Begonias.
These are classic summer bloomers that thrive in the heat and humidity. However, they are very sensitive to the cold. For these varieties, fall is not a time for planting, but rather a time for rest.
Wax and Rex Begonias
Wax begonias are the sturdy little plants often used as bedding in flower borders. They have succulent-style leaves that can be green or bronze. Rex begonias are grown primarily for their incredible leaf patterns and colors. Both of these types are tropical. They do not have a dormant period like tuberous varieties, meaning they want to keep growing all year long. While they won't survive a frost outside, they can often be moved indoors to live as houseplants.
Hardy Begonias (Begonia grandis)
This is the "yes" to your fall planting question. Unlike their tropical cousins, the hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) is a perennial that can survive the winter in many parts of the United States. It actually waits until mid-summer to start its show and continues blooming well into the autumn. Because it is a perennial, planting it in early fall can be successful in certain climates, provided the plant has time to settle in before the ground freezes.
Key Takeaway: Most begonias are tropical and should not be planted outdoors in the fall. The exception is the Hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis), which is a perennial and naturally blooms during the autumn months.
Can You Plant Summer Begonias in the Fall?
For the vast majority of gardeners in the United States, planting summer begonias like the tuberous or wax varieties in the fall is not recommended. These plants are native to tropical regions where frost never occurs. Once temperatures drop below 50°F, their growth slows down significantly. If a frost hits, the water inside their fleshy stems freezes, which usually causes the plant to collapse and die.
If you see begonias on sale at a local garden center in September, it is better to think of them as short-term decorations for a porch or as potential houseplants. Planting them in the garden at this stage won't give them enough time to establish a root system before the cold weather sets in.
The Regional Exception: Warm Climates
There is a small exception for gardeners in the far south, such as parts of Florida, southern Texas, and coastal California (USDA Zones 9 to 11). In these areas, the "fall" is actually an excellent time to plant wax begonias. Because the summer heat in these regions can be too intense for many flowers, the cooler, milder temperatures of autumn provide the perfect environment for wax begonias to thrive as cool-season annuals.
For the rest of us, fall is a season for preparation rather than planting when it comes to these varieties. Instead of putting new plants in the ground, we focus on protecting the ones we enjoyed all summer.
What to do if you have summer begonias in pots:
- Monitor the nighttime temperatures closely.
- Move pots to a sheltered area if a light frost is predicted.
- Decide if you want to bring them indoors or let them go dormant.
- Stop fertilizing to allow the plant to slow down its growth naturally.
Planting and Growing Hardy Begonias
If you are looking for a begonia that you can truly enjoy during the fall, Begonia grandis is the plant for you. This species is a hidden gem in the gardening world. It features beautiful heart-shaped leaves with red veining on the undersides and produces clusters of delicate pink or white flowers.
Why Hardy Begonias are Different
Hardy begonias are perennials, typically surviving in USDA zones 6 through 9. They are unique because they don't even emerge from the ground until late spring or early summer, often appearing just as other spring flowers are fading. They hit their peak in late August and September, providing a fresh burst of color when the rest of the garden might be looking a bit tired.
Fall Planting Tips for Hardy Begonias
If you find hardy begonias for sale in the late summer or early autumn, you can plant them in your garden. Here is how to get the best results:
- Choose the Right Spot: They love shade or dappled sunlight. A spot under a tall tree or on the north side of a building is perfect.
- Check the Soil: They prefer rich, moist soil that drains well. They don't like to sit in "wet feet" (soggy soil), which can cause the roots to rot during the winter.
- Planting Depth: Set the plant into the ground at the same depth it was in its nursery pot.
- Mulch Heavily: This is the most important step for fall planting. After the first frost kills the top of the plant, cover the area with 2 to 3 inches of shredded leaves or wood mulch. This acts like a blanket, protecting the roots from extreme temperature swings.
What to do next: If you plant a hardy begonia this fall, make sure to mark the spot with a stake. These plants are very late to wake up in the spring, and it is easy to accidentally dig them up or plant something else on top of them before they appear in May.
Saving Your Tuberous Begonias for Next Year
Since fall isn't the time to plant tuberous begonias, it is the time to harvest them. One of the best things about tuberous begonias is that you don't have to buy new ones every year, and Non Stop Begonias make that easy. You can save the tubers and replant them the following spring. We find this to be a very satisfying way to keep your favorite colors and varieties going for many seasons.
The Curing Process
When the leaves of your tuberous begonias begin to turn yellow or after the first light frost has nipped the foliage, it is time to dig them up. Don't worry if the tops look a bit messy; the important part is safe underground.
Carefully lift the tubers from the soil using a garden fork. Be gentle, as the tubers can be brittle. Shake off the excess soil and place them in a warm, dry, and shaded area for a few days. This is called "curing." During this time, the stems will naturally dry up and eventually fall off the tuber.
Storage Secrets
Once the tubers are dry and the stems have detached, you can store them for the winter.
- The Container: Use a cardboard box or a paper bag. Avoid plastic, as it traps moisture and can cause rot.
- The Packing Material: Surround the tubers with dry peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite. This keeps them from touching each other and provides a bit of insulation.
- The Location: Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry place. A basement or a closet that stays around 40°F to 50°F is ideal. Do not let them freeze.
Checking on your stored tubers once a month is a good habit. If you see any that look shriveled, you can give them a very light mist of water. If any look soft or rotten, remove them immediately so the problem doesn't spread to the healthy ones.
Moving Begonias Indoors for the Winter
Wax begonias and Rex begonias don't go dormant. If you want to keep them through the fall and winter, you need to bring them inside before the temperature drops below 45°F. This is a great way to keep a bit of the garden's life inside your home during the cold months.
Preparing the Plants
Before bringing any plant inside, it is important to check for "hitchhikers." Insects like aphids or spider mites love begonias. Give your plants a gentle spray with water to wash away any pests. You can also trim back any leggy growth to help the plant stay compact and manageable indoors.
Indoor Care Tips
The environment inside a house is very different from the outdoors. To help your begonias adjust, follow these simple rules:
- Light: Place them in a window that gets bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is usually a safe bet.
- Water: Indoor air is drier, but begonias don't like to be soggy. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Humidity: Most begonias love humidity. Since heaters can dry out the air, you can create a "pebble tray." Fill a shallow tray with small stones and water, then set the pot on top of the stones. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate around the plant.
Moving plants indoors can be a bit of a shock for them. Don't be discouraged if they drop a few leaves in the first week or two. This is just their way of adjusting to the lower light levels. With a little patience, they will soon start producing new growth.
Preparing the Garden Soil in the Fall
Even though you might not be planting many begonias in the fall, this is the perfect season to prepare your garden beds for the coming spring. Good soil is the foundation of every beautiful garden. Taking a few simple steps now will make your spring planting much easier and more successful.
Begonias thrive in soil that is rich in organic matter. In the fall, you can add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to your shade gardens. You don't even need to dig it in; the natural freezing and thawing of the soil over winter, along with the work of earthworms, will help incorporate the nutrients deep into the ground.
Fall is also a great time to test your soil's drainage. Begonias are very sensitive to rot, so they need soil that allows water to move through it freely. If you notice a spot in your garden where water puddles for a long time after a rain, you might want to add some organic matter to improve the structure or consider planting your begonias in raised beds or containers next year.
Hardiness Zones and Timing
When we talk about planting and protecting begonias, it is important to remember that the "right time" depends on your location. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a helpful tool that tells you the average minimum winter temperature in your area.
At Longfield Gardens, we use these zones to ensure that our plants are shipped at the ideal time for planting in your specific region. Our shipping information explains how timing works by zone.
In the fall, your main focus should be on your local "first frost date." This is the average date when your area usually sees its first freezing temperatures. You should have your hardy begonias in the ground and your tropical begonias moved indoors or dug up at least two weeks before this date. This gives you a safe buffer and ensures you aren't caught off guard by an early cold snap.
Key Takeaway: Success with begonias in the fall is all about timing. Use your local frost dates as a guide to know when to protect your plants and when it is safe to leave hardy varieties in the ground.
Simple Fall Troubleshooting
If you have begonias in your garden right now, you might notice some changes as the season progresses. Most of these are natural and not a cause for concern.
- Yellowing Leaves: As the days get shorter and cooler, tuberous begonias naturally begin to shut down. Yellowing leaves are a sign that the plant is moving its energy into the tuber for winter storage. This is a good thing!
- Fewer Blooms: Begonias need plenty of light to produce flowers. As the sun sits lower in the sky during the fall, you might see fewer new buds.
- Powdery Mildew: The cool, damp nights of autumn can sometimes lead to a white, dusty-looking coating on the leaves called powdery mildew. To help prevent this, try to water your plants at the base rather than over the leaves, and make sure there is plenty of space between plants for air to circulate.
If a plant looks like it is struggling as the weather turns cold, the best fix is usually to move it to a more protected spot or begin the overwintering process. Gardening is often about observing these small changes and responding with simple care.
Planning for a Beautiful Spring
Fall is the best time for dreaming and planning. While you are tidying up your garden and putting your begonias to bed, think about what worked well this year. Did you love the way the trailing begonias looked in your hanging baskets? Did the bold leaves of a Rex begonia brighten up a dark corner of your porch?
You can use the fall and winter months to browse through Bulbs & Perennials Collections and decide what you want to grow next year. This is also a great time to clean your pots and garden tools. A quick scrub with some soapy water will ensure everything is ready to go as soon as the spring sun starts to warm the soil.
By taking care of the basics in the fall—protecting your tubers, preparing your soil, and planning your layout—you are setting yourself up for a garden that is even more beautiful next season.
Conclusion
So, can you plant begonias in the fall? For most varieties, the answer is a gentle "no," but for the perennial hardy begonia, it is a resounding "yes." Fall is a season of transition in the begonia garden. It is a time for harvesting the colorful tubers we loved all summer, moving tropical favorites indoors to brighten our homes, and preparing the soil for future growth.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe that every season offers a chance to learn and grow as a gardener. While fall might mean the end of the outdoor blooming season for many begonias, it is also the beginning of the preparation that leads to next year's success. Whether you are tucking a hardy begonia into its winter mulch or storing tubers in your basement, these small acts of care are what make gardening so rewarding.
- Plant Hardy Begonias (Begonia grandis) in shaded spots and mulch them well.
- Dig up and store tuberous begonias once the foliage begins to yellow.
- Bring wax and Rex begonias indoors to enjoy as houseplants before the first frost.
- Prepare your garden beds with compost to give next year's plants a head start.
Gardening is a journey through the seasons. By matching the right tasks to the right time, you ensure that your landscape remains a source of joy all year long. We look forward to helping you grow your most beautiful garden yet.
FAQ
Can I leave my tuberous begonias in the ground over winter?
In most parts of the United States (Zones 8 and colder), the ground freezes deep enough to kill begonia tubers. To keep them alive, you must dig them up in the fall and store them in a frost-free area. If you live in a very warm climate like Zone 9 or 10, you may be able to leave them in the ground, but they still benefit from a period of dry rest.
How do I know if my begonia is the "hardy" kind?
Hardy begonias (Begonia grandis) have distinct heart-shaped leaves that are usually olive green on top and have bright red veins on the bottom. They also produce small "bulbils" or tiny tubers where the leaves meet the stem in late fall. If your begonia has large, rose-like flowers or very waxy, round leaves, it is likely a tropical variety and will not survive a freeze.
Why are my begonia leaves falling off now that I've moved the plant inside?
This is a very common reaction called transplant shock. The air inside your home is much drier and the light is dimmer than it was outside. The plant drops its "outdoor" leaves to save energy and will soon grow new "indoor" leaves that are better adapted to the lower light. Keep the plant in a bright spot and avoid overwatering during this time.
When is the latest I can plant a hardy begonia in the fall?
Ideally, you should plant hardy begonias at least 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the roots a little time to settle into their new home. If you are planting late in the season, be sure to apply a thick layer of mulch over the planting site immediately after the first frost to provide extra protection through the winter.